Seismic support and reinforcement systems

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of walls supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure. Another embodiment includes an angle iron with predrilled holes that attaches through the ledger directly to the wall to reinforce the ledger and extend the area of horizontal support provided by the ledger. Other embodiments provide support structures that may be attached and arranged to provide specific structural support at designated locations, and/or to provide wall-to-wall structural support across the span of a roof, ceiling or floor. All embodiments may be adapted for use with ceilings, roofs or floors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to reinforcing and supporting roof,ceiling or floor systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatusfor providing improved support for new and existing roof, ceiling orflooring systems to help prevent failure in the event of seismicactivity, wind, water, excessive weight buildup and the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many types of buildings may be heavily damaged by seismic movement, highwinds and other natural disasters. These include, but are not limitedto, tilt-up buildings that have concrete walls which are formed andpoured and cured flat on top of existing slabs on grade and then raisedinto position, masonry walls, pour-in-place concrete walls, or blockwalls. These varieties of walls anchor to roof systems constructed ofwood usually with a series of primary beams (glued laminatedbeams—GLB's), secondary timber beams or purlins, joists spanning frompurlin to purlin, wall mounted ledgers, or simply beams with joistsspanning in between. Such buildings will simply be referred to herein as“buildings.” In these types of buildings, the plywood sheathing acts asa diaphragm which ties the roof to the wall along with assorted metalconnectors such as nails, straps, bolts or other transfer mechanisms. Onolder buildings, the transfer mechanisms are likely to be substandardeither because of design deficiencies, installation shortcomings, orboth, and thus are not up to current Uniform Building Code (UBC)standards. The devices of the present invention may be used to upgrade(retrofit) the connections used in the aforementioned structures, andmay also be used in new construction.

Aside from seismic and wind forces, a common roof failure results from abuild-up of rain or water from pipe leakages because of clogged roofdrains or snow build-up. Additionally, roof mounted equipment and/ormaterial stored on a roof may contribute to wall separation from theroof. When this occurs, roof collapse is often the result. Anothercontributing factor in roof collapse is improper placement of anchorbolts that connect the walls to a ledger that is bolted to the inside ofthe wall at the roof level and subsequently to the roof plywood withnails. At the location where anchor bolts are positioned in line withthe wood grain of the ledger, the natural grain of the wood essentiallydefines a fault line that is prone to splitting, which would allow thewall to separate from the roof diaphragm. Factors that exacerbate theaforementioned splitting are oversized drilling of bolt holes which,when combined with nuts that are over-tightened, may cause the (round)cut washer to bend inward at the center and exert force that causes theupper portion of the wooden ledger to separate from the lower portion.This phenomenon occurs to some degree even when stronger plate washersare used. Many older buildings have cut washers at such locations.

Another vulnerable connection is where a GLB is anchored to a columnwhich is part of the perimeter, or where a GLB hangs onto the wall withonly a metal hanger with no direct column support from below. A similarvulnerability exists where a concrete column using a prefabricated metalsaddle for anchoring a GLB has been poorly installed (i.e., poorpouting, casting of the column). Ordinarily, when a connector such as aGLB beam seat is installed according to specifications, the boltsconnecting the GLB to the GLB beam seat saddle pre-drilled holes areapproximately two inches (plus or minus) from the bottom of the GLB.When installed on a GLB that may be 24 inches or more in height, theconnection is inadequate by current building codes. In addition, whenthe holes drilled in the GLB for anchorage to the aforementioned GLBbeam seat are oversized, this makes the edge of the drilled hole evencloser to the bottom of the GLB. Also, as is often the case, when thesesaddle connectors are installed out of level either side to side or endfor end, this already questionable installation is worsened.

Locations where one GLB is connected to another in a linear manner (abutend to end), but do not adjoin inside of a saddle that is supported by acolumn, usually are connected with a hinge connector that allows the twobeams to stay connected, but they may separate due to the swingingaction of a hinge connector. This is a system deficiency that usuallyoccurs during a seismic event. The aforementioned movement results inloosening of the nails that are critical to the structural integrity ofthe roof diaphragm system.

Purlins which anchor to the wooden ledgers that bolt to the walls shouldhave a purlin anchor strap which is embedded into the concrete when theconcrete is poured. These purlin straps are usually anchored to purlinsusing only nails, and are not designed to provide vertical counterforceeither upward or downward, even when installed properly.

It is therefore desirable to provide methods and apparatus forretrofitting existing roofing, ceiling or flooring systems, and for usein new roofing, ceiling or flooring installations, that provide improvedsupport to help prevent failure in the event of seismic activity, wind,water, excessive weight buildup and the like. It is also desirable toprovide numerous alternative methods and apparatus that may be combined,adapted and intermingled for use with various roofing system sizes,shapes and configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a number of alternative roofing, ceilingor flooring system support structures that may be used to improve thetension and vertical strength of a wide variety of roof, ceiling orflooring systems. One set of embodiments of the present invention ismade up of three elongated tension members. All three components may beshortened, lengthened or sized to accommodate individual buildingspecifications by the engineer of record. These components, whenprefabricated on-site, create a triangle shaped system having one memberanchored to the side of a beam, a second member anchored to the concrete(or block or masonry) wall and forming a corner with the first member,and the remaining member connecting the ends of the first and secondmembers forming a hypotenuse of the triangle. In alternativeembodiments, another such triangular shaped system may be installed onthe opposite side of the aforementioned beam in mirror image fashion.

The above-described embodiments are designed for installation under theledger or other analogous structure in order to supply a counter forceto seismic movement of the primary beam and ledger relative to the wallin the vertical plane. In addition, these systems supply a counter forceto GLB movement in the horizontal plane at the GLB/wall connectionthrough the first component that is attached to the wall, and throughthe second component that is attached to the beam. This aforementionedconnection also provides additional vertical support to the GLB at thislocation. The opposite end of the first component (away from the GLB),also bolts to the wall tinder the ledger providing additional verticalsupport. The hypotenuse component acts as a brace for the wall betweenbeams, and provides a counterforce to wall movement in two planes:lateral movement of the wall at a right angle to the roof diaphragm, andhorizontal wall movement both toward the roof and outward from the roof.In some embodiments, the components of this embodiment are symmetricalat each end to the opposite end, so that the second and third componentsmay be used on either side of the beam, and/or be installed with theangle-iron flange facing up or down. When used, the mirror image systemsmay be attached to each other through the beam.

A second set of embodiments of the present invention include a singlewelded frame that accomplishes essentially the same objectives as thefirst set of embodiments, but which uses the secondary beam (purlin) inplace of the primary beam (GLB) as the initial anchoring roof element.In place of the duality of installed frames that may be used as part ofthe first set of embodiments, the second set of embodiments uses aprefabricated frame that is installed under the purlin, with two angleirons several feet apart (e.g. four feet), with the purlin intersectingthe ledger in between the two aforementioned angle-irons. In mostexisting structures, the purlin will already be anchored to the ledgerwith a pre-existing purlin hanger. The two angle-irons provide verticalsupport for the ledger that the purlin supports. The remainder of theintegrated structure is made up of two additional arms or angle straps(preferably 2″×¼″), having one end welded to each angle-iron. These armstraverse at an angle (preferably 45 degrees) inward, and the oppositeends are welded together at their junction forming a saddle thatencompasses the purlin at a distance (e.g. two feet) out from theledger. This saddle is bolted to the purlin with multiple bolts thatcomplete the connection from wall to purlin.

The above described elements provide a counter-force to wall movementrelative to the roof diaphragm element in three planes. The two anglestraps provide a counter-force to lateral wall movement parallel to thelength of the wall. The two angle-iron members provide vertical supportat the ledger. The saddle, through the angle-iron connection, provides acounter-force to seismic forces that either push the wall into or awayfrom the roof diaphragm system.

In one aspect of the second set of embodiments, a single welded ormolded unit is provided with two sections of rigid material (e.g. angleiron) that bolt to the wall under the ledger at two locations, bothlocations approximately 2 feet to the side of where the purlinintersects the ledger that is bolted to the aforementioned wall. A flatrigid strap (preferably metal) is attached or welded to each section ofangle iron and extends at an approximately 45 degree angle where theyare attached or welded to the lower portion of a rigid (preferablysteel) saddle which in turn bolts through the purlin and into theopposite side of the saddle. The two sections of angle iron that bolt tothe concrete wall under the ledger provide vertical support to theledger and consequently to the intersecting purlin where the purlin isanchored to the ledger. The lateral anchoring force provided by the twoflat straps which are welded to the angle iron and the saddle transferforce along the plane of the roof diaphragm to the aforementioned walland replace or supplement both the embedded bolts that anchor the ledgerto the wall and the diaphragm perimeter nailing of the roof plywood.This system is not intended to supplement the vertical load capabilitiesof the purlin hanger since the purlin hanger should be adequate in theaforementioned vertical plane when these embodiments are installed andkeep the purlin from separating from the wall. The two angled strapswhich anchor on opposite sides of the purlin exert a counter force toany seismic lateral movement of the wall relative to the roof diaphragm.

Where the purlins intersect the concrete wall at intervals of, forexample, 8 feet, the only lateral connection through this 8-foot rangeis the nailing through the roof plywood. These embodiments add lateralsupport at, for example, 2-feet from the aforementioned intersection, sothat in this example, the original 8 foot span is now only 4 feet.

Installation of systems of the second embodiments described above is thefirst step in establishing a strut connection embodiment that may extendfrom one end of the building to the opposite end along a series ofpurlins that are in line and end with similar embodiments on theopposite end of the building.

When an original ledger is installed, often the holes were oversizedand/or the nuts were over-tightened which bends the cut washer into thegap created by the oversized hole and forces the ledger to split or bevulnerable to splitting when seismic or wind forces are at play. Whenthe upper portion of the ledger rotates inward and the wall separatesfrom the roof diaphragm, support for the purlins is compromised and thewall moves away from the building.

In another aspect of the invention, one or more retro-washer embodimentsare provided to replace existing cut or plate washers that anchor theledger to the wall. These retro-washers provide support for the fulllength of the washer. The retro-washers are manufactured in varyinglengths to accommodate different sized ledgers. The wider part of theangle-iron is drilled with at least two holes, with one hole an inchcloser to the center of the washer to allow for varying bolt locationsand allow for the washer to extend closest to the bottom of thesheathing. When a retro-washer cannot be installed because the bolt istoo close to the plywood then this washer may not be necessary anyway.In most embodiments, the retro-washers are provided with an outwardlyextending flange. These flanges project out from the ledger and supplythe strength that distributes force along the full length of theretro-washer when the original nut is replaced on the bolt. Theseembodiments are essentially upgraded washers that are designed to stop aledger from splitting along the natural grain line that intersects thehole drilled for anchoring the ledger to the wall. The retro-washers aredesigned to replace existing cut washers or plate washers. The size andlength of the retro washers will vary depending on the size of theledger and the structural engineer specifications based on individualbuilding conditions.

In one embodiment, a retro washer is essentially an angle ironapproximately 2″×1″×11″ long that holds the upper portion of the ledgerfrom rotating inward and also provides supplemental strength intended tokeep the ledger from splitting through use of two ¼″×2½″ self tappingscrews. In this embodiment, each end of the washer has one screwintended to keep the upper and lower portion of the ledger fromseparating.

Another set of embodiments is similar to that of the second setdescribed above, providing structures for wall-to-wall support along thepurlins. In these alternative embodiments, a bracket is provided on oneor both sides of the saddle that is attached to the purlin. A transitionbracket is then provided further down the purlin. This transitionbracket has two welded brackets on each side of the purlin. One weldedbracket is for attachment of a PT cable that traverses the length of thebuilding through drilled holes in the primary beams (GLB's) and connectsto a mirror image system on the opposite end of the building. The secondtransition bracket has a shrouded assembly bolted to it that connects tothe angled flange on the saddle embodiment which is installed on thepurlin directly adjacent to the aforementioned purlin. This may beprovided on one or both sides of the purlin, thus connecting threepurlins to a pair of PT cables that spans the building. These systemsmay be incorporated onto the adjacent set of 3 purlins, and the next setof 3, and so on, providing wall-to-wall support along these purlin sets.The purlins that run in-line with the center purlin establish a strutline through the length of the building at each purlin to GLBconnection, the connection may be shimmed tight to establish thecompression requirements as stated by the structural engineer. Ineffect, these systems are capable of anchoring 20 or more feet of wallto the roof diaphragm.

Another set of embodiments is similar to those of the first setdescribed above. In these embodiments, a shrouded system is used inplace of an angle-iron for both the tension and compression requiredelements required by current building codes. T his system installs abovethe bottom of the purlin/ledger ceiling line and consequently will clearalmost all ceiling mounted equipment. The shroud anchors to a studwelded to a plate which is anchored to the wall through the ledger andjust below the joist system. At the wall, the rigid plate (preferablymetal) that is anchored to the wall also has a stud welded on its facewhich is angled outward toward a purlin/GLB intersection several feet(e.g. approximately 16 feet) out from the wall. The shrouded assemblywhich may include an all-thread bolt and rubber spacing washers, iscovered with a larger series of cylinders with threaded connections foranchorage to adjoining cylinders. This shroud assembly supplies thecompression element to this system when it is tight at each end of eachsegment of the shroud. Each piece of the shroud has a threaded male endand female end. The required overlap length will be painted red on themale threaded portion for inspection purposes. If no red painted threadsare visible, the required overlap is assured. The inner portion of theshroud assembly (which also may be all-thread) will have a similar reddesignated male thread coloration with the same purpose.

The threaded portion of the shroud (rod) passes through any purlin notintended for final anchorage, penetrating a drilled hole with no washeror nuts that would connect the rod to the intersecting purlin. The outerportion of the shroud will be tightened to a wedge shaped washer thatinstalls on each side of any intersecting purlins for purpose ofsupplying the required compression element of current building codes.The threaded portion supplies the tension requirements when it isattached to the GLB/purlin intersection with an angle-iron that has astud welded to it and angled toward the stud at the wall bracket.

Most components of the embodiments disclosed herein are symmetrical ateach end which allows these individual components to be used on eitherside of a GLB or purlin or with flanges either up or down to allow thesystems to clear any ceiling-mounted equipment, fire sprinkler systems,or conduit that may conflict with these systems. This means fewer partsare required to be manufactured and stocked, making installation simplerand less expensive.

The fact that these systems can be installed to clear ceiling mountedobstructions is a large advantage over other systems that must beinstalled completely beneath purlins and ledgers thus restricting use ofthe aforementioned space.

Another advantage of these systems is that it may be slightly altered toallow for use when a pitched roof or angled walls or beams requireadjusted lengths to be used.

Another advantage of the systems is that they provide vertical as wellas horizontal support to ledgers and beams.

Another advantage of these systems is that the wall anchorage plateshave a staggered hole pattern which allows for the use of anycombination of holes to be used for concrete wall anchorage. This meansthat if the primary hole is obstructed due to embedded steel or conduitthen the next staggered hole may be used and then the next if necessarywithout damaging expensive drill bits or drilling into steel that hasstructural value and should not be damaged.

The fact that most of the wall anchoring and drilling of concrete wallsrequired for metal plate connections installation is accomplished belowthe ledger means that a magnetic resonance imager that can only see 7″into the wall or when a ledger is over the wall only 3.5″ into theconcrete after first penetrating the 3.5″ thick ledger. The result isbeing able to drill holes into the concrete with little or no risk ofhitting obstructions.

Another advantage of these systems is the use of pre-positioned boltholes along with the metal connecting straps that connect one angle ironto its twin on the opposite side or end, thus eliminating any locationissues in positioning the holes to be drilled into wood beams or theconcrete wall.

Another advantage of these inventions is that they are comprised ofrelatively light weight materials which should not require any specialequipment to hoist them into place, but can be lifted into place using aman-lift along with the installer.

Another advantage of these inventions is that they may be prefabricatedon the ground and lifted into position as a single unit. Each of theembodiments may use ¼″ predrilled holes with ¼″ self tapping screws fortemporary support while holes are drilled and installed. However, theindividual components may be installed separately when ceiling mountedequipment or fire-sprinklers conflict. Also, the connecting straps thatconnect one end angle iron to its twin may be eliminated when necessaryfor ease of installation.

Another advantage of these systems is that they include elements thatmay be readily available from a metal or other fabricating shop. Thismeans that waiting for fabrication and delivery from a distantfabricator will not be necessary when a component is miss-fabricated orjob site conditions require alterations or additional components to befabricated.

These systems, in addition to providing a counter force to seismic orwind events caused by building/wall movement also provide vertical andhorizontal support around the edges of the roof structure where water orsnow build up is most likely to occur as a result of a clogged roofdrain.

Other seismic retro-fit systems do not provide vertical support atpurlin/wall location but only drill through ledger and wall and insert amachine bolt through the wall or anchor to the wall with epoxy cement atabout mid height of the ledger. Such systems provide no vertical supportfor the ledger and consequently the connecting purlin which just hangsonto the ledger with a flanged hanger with usually only nailing throughthe top flange into the top of the ledger. The systems of the presentinvention attach directly to the wall, thus providing better support.Any individual components depicted in these several embodiments may becombined with any other depicted components to achieve the preferredtruss required design.

Several of the embodiments may be installed substantially above theceiling line established by the ledgers and purlins, and should notconflict with ceiling mounted equipment, fire sprinklers or conduit thatmay be mounted on the ceiling.

Another advantage of the wall-to-wall embodiments is that only everythird purlin need be shimmed and/or bolted at purlin-GLB intersections.This eliminates approximately 66% of the usually required hardware atthese locations. Each location customarily uses four welded brackets,two threaded rods, and approximately six machine bolts, not to mentionthe labor to install these items.

The aforementioned qualities and advantages of these inventions are notintended to be limiting factors when applying these inventions toindividual buildings. Design alterations specified by a structuralengineer are to be expected and should not limit the use of theseinventions in any way.

Other advantages of these systems will become apparent to those skilledin the trades when installing and reviewing these systems and workingwith structural drawings prepared by a structural engineer for specificand individual buildings.

An object of the present invention is to provide reliable, simple andinexpensive seismic retro-fit systems to upgrade or replace existingseismic movement resistant connections on buildings with wood or metalroof, ceiling or flooring systems and concrete walls.

Another object of the invention is to provide reliable force transfermechanisms that include both tension and compression capabilities thattransfer force from the building walls to the primary beams (GLB's) andconsequently to the purlins, joists and ultimately to the roof, ceilingor floor plywood diaphragm and consequently to the walls at oppositeends of the building.

Another object of the invention is to provide seismic connections of thetype described that either eliminates or lessens dependence on the roof,ceiling or floor plywood diaphragm perimeter nailing into the ledgerthat bolts onto the concrete wall at the outside perimeter of thebuilding at the roof line and/or at wood floor connections to concretewalls.

Another object of the invention is to provide additional verticalsupport as well as horizontal support for ledgers, primary beams andpurlin beams.

Another object of the invention is installing a system that upgradesexisting tilt-up style buildings to comply with current UBC standards.

Another object of the invention is to establish a strut line thatcrosses the primary beams (GLB's) and connects to 3 individual purlinsto a single wall-to-wall line; essentially anchoring twenty four linearfeet of concrete wall to the selected strut (purlin) which is connectedto the roof plywood diaphragm and ultimately to a mirror system at theopposite end of the building.

Additional objects of the invention will be apparent from the detaileddescriptions and the claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a lower perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention having three main parts, illustrating those parts attached toeach other.

FIG. 2 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of a buildingroof support structure showing examples of the embodiments of FIG. 1installed thereon.

FIG. 3 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of the roofsupport structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end view along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an embodiment of a random hole pattern foravoiding obstructions in a wall.

FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of a buildingroof support structure showing an example of the embodiment of FIG. 7installed thereon.

FIG. 9 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of the roofsupport structure with installed embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view along line 10-10 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view along line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of a buildingroof support structure showing examples of the embodiments of FIG. 12installed thereon.

FIG. 15 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of the roofsupport structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention of FIG. 7.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the support structure of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an upper environmental view of a building roof supportstructure showing examples of the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 17 and 18installed thereon

FIG. 21 is a lower environmental view of the roof support structure withinstalled embodiments shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional top view along line 22-22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional top view along line 23-23 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 28 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of a buildingroof support structure showing examples of the embodiments of FIGS. 1and 24-27, installed thereon.

FIG. 29 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of the roofsupport structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view along line 30-30 of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional end view along line 31-31 of FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of a buildingroof support structure showing an example of an alternative embodimentof the present invention installed thereon.

FIG. 33 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of the roofsupport structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view along line 34-34 of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional end view along line 35-35 of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional opposite end view along line 36-36 of FIG.32.

FIG. 37 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of a buildingroof support structure showing an example of an alternative embodimentof the present invention installed thereon.

FIG. 38 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of the roofsupport structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional side view along line 39-39 of FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional end view along line 40-40 of FIG. 37.

FIG. 41 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of a buildingroof support structure showing an example of an alternative embodimentof the present invention installed thereon.

FIG. 42 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of the roofsupport structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional side view along line 43-43 of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional end view along line 44-44 of FIG. 41.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional end view along line 45-45 of FIG. 41.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including the tubular members of FIGS. 50-52.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including the tubular members of FIGS. 50-52.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including the tubular members of FIGS. 50-52.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including the tubular members of FIGS. 50-52.

FIG. 50 is a top plan view of a building roof support structure showingan example of an alternative embodiment of the present inventioninstalled thereon.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional side view along line 51-51 of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of the roofsupport structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including those of FIGS. 1 and 56.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including those of FIGS. 1 and 56.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention that may be used with several of the embodiments of thepresent invention including those of FIGS. 1 and 56.

FIG. 56 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of a buildingroof support structure showing an example of an alternative embodimentof the present invention installed thereon.

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional side view along line 57-57 of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional side view along line 58-58 of FIG. 56.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional bottom view along line 59-59 of FIG. 56.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designatelike or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referringparticularly to FIGS. 1-6, it is seen that a first embodimentillustrated in these drawings includes three elongated rigid (preferablymetallic) bracket members 70, 80 and 90. These members may be usedindependently of each other, they may be used in combination with othersupport members, and/or they may be attached to each other in atriangular fashion as illustrated in FIG. 1. Some of the alternativeand/or independent usages of members 70, 80 and 90 are described andillustrated in other embodiments herein.

In the exemplary triangular embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, andreferring particularly to FIG. 3, it is seen that a first elongatedmember 70 is adapted for attachment along the underside 44 of a ledger40 of a building roof, ceiling or floor support system. In someembodiments, bracket member 70 is not attached to ledger 40, but isinserted flush against the lower surface 44 of the ledger, and isattached directly to the concrete, masonry or block wall 140 of thebuilding using one or more bolts 26 that are passed through holes 60 inmounting plate 170. This location provides supplemental vertical supportfor the ledger 40 at both ends of bracket 70. Bolts 26 are engaged withthe concrete wall 140 using epoxy or some other suitable adhesivematerial for permanent attachment. Detail of this attachment is shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.

Because the systems of the present invention may be used for retrofitpurposes, structures such as the concrete wall 140 may already be inexistence, and there may be metal structures, holes, or otherirregularities on the surface of wall 140 where each mounting plate 170is to be attached. Accordingly, in several embodiments of the presentinvention, the mounting holes 60 in plate 170 are provided in one ormore different patterns in order to improve the opportunities forattaching bolts 26 to wall 140. See FIG. 6A. It is to be appreciatedthat any suitable number of mounting holes may be provided in plate 170,and that these holes may be provided in any regular, irregular, uniformor random pattern thereon. Plate 170 may be provided with a reinforcingflange or gusset 110 which transfers lateral force more evenly, andhelps prevent bending of plate 170. The number of engineer-specifiedholes to be used (usually no more than 2 on each side of the gusset)will leave the balance of predrilled holes unused. Elongated bracketmember 70 has outwardly protruding flanges at both ends, and holes areprovided in these end flanges to receive bolts or other similar devicesto attach the end flanges to other support structures such as but notlimited to members 80 and 90.

In alternative embodiments, bracket member 70 may be attached directlyto the lower surface 44 of the ledger 40 by using lag screws or othersuitable fasteners. In these embodiments, one or more openings 68 may beprovided along bracket member 70 through which such fasteners may bepassed for attachment to the underside 44 of the ledger 40. It is to beappreciated that the direct attachment to the bottom 44 of ledger 40 maybe done independently or in conjunction with the previously describedattachments directly to wall 140.

In the triangular system embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, bracket member 70 isattached and positioned such that one end is adjacent to aperpendicularly extending (roof) beam 30. A second elongated bracketmember 80 is attached along one side of the beam 30. Bracket member 80includes plates at both ends having openings through which bolts orother devices are used to attach bracket member 80 to beam 30. Bracketmember 80 also includes outwardly extending flanges at both ends, andholes are provided in these end flanges to receive bolts 24 or othersimilar devices to attach such end flanges to other support structuressuch as but not limited to members 70 and 90. Bracket member 80preferably sits over the top of bracket 70 in order to providesupplemental vertical support for the beam 30. It is to be appreciatedthat in this embodiment, bracket members 70 and 80 are installed suchthat their orientation is perpendicular, just as beam 30 isperpendicular to ledger 40, with one end of bracket member 70 attachedto the adjacent end of bracket member 80 near where beam 30 meets ledger40, using one or more bolts 24 as shown in FIG. 5. A third bracketmember 90 is then installed diagonally by attachment to each of the openends of bracket members 70 and 80, forming the hypotenuse of thetriangle made up of members 70, 80 and 90. Bracket member 90 exerts acounter force to any lateral wall movement either in, out or parallel tothe wall at a point several feet from the beam 30 along the length ofthe wall. This exerted force is transferred to the roof diaphragmthrough the beam 30, purlins 120 and ultimately to the plywood diaphragmsystem of the roof, ceiling or floor. In this context, a diaphragm isgenerally the structural element comprised of roof plywood nailed tojoists, purlins, ledgers and GLB's.

In some embodiments, a second set of bracket members 70, 80 and 90 isinstalled on the opposite side of beam 30 in a mirror image fashion tothe first set of such members, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. In suchembodiments, brackets 80 may be attached to both sides of beam 30 usingthe same bolts 29 that extend through beam 30 and protrude out from eachside, as shown in FIG. 4. However, brackets 80 may alternatively beattached separately from each other using other independent bolts 27.

The systems of FIGS. 1-6 provide independent seismic support to beam 30by providing apparatus and methods for direct attachment of beam 30 towall 140, instead of relying only on gravity. These systems prevent beam30 from pulling away from or falling down from wall 140 in the event ofseismic movement, high winds, excessive roof/ceiling/floor weight or thelike.

The alternative embodiments which provide for direct attachment to theunderside 44 of ledger 40 through openings 68 help prevent possiblelateral movement of a metal plate that is attached to a wall 140. Theseopenings 68 may be provided in the straps connecting the bracketstogether or on the brackets themselves, or both.

Alternative support system embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 7-11.These embodiments are designed for use in supporting roof, ceiling orfloor purlins 120, but may also be used with support beams 30. In theseembodiments, a one-piece seismic support unit 10 is provided that ismade up of an elongated cross member 51 and two diagonally oriented arms50, all of which may be integrated together. Attachment plates 170having a pattern of holes 60, as described above (uniform, irregular orrandom pattern), are provided at both ends of cross member 51. In someembodiments, plates 170 may be provided with a reinforcing flange orgusset 110 which transfers lateral force more evenly, and helps preventbending of plate 170. One end of each of arms 50 is attached to one ofthe ends of cross member 51, and the opposite ends of arms 50 meet at ajunction 152. Junction 152 is formed in the shape of a squared U, withthe bottom sized so as to fit flush underneath a purlin 120 (orunderneath a beam 30). The two opposite sides 151 of junction 152 extendupward so as to fit flush against the sides of the purlin (or beam)forming a saddle or beam pocket (i.e., metal hardware with two sides anda base that the purlins and/or beams are bolted or nailed into). Aninstallation and fitment of the junction is illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 9 and 10. This structure provides vertical support to the purlin(or beam). In some embodiments, the U-shaped saddle with bottom andsides 151-152 is a separate piece that is welded to the junction of arms50.

In alternative embodiments, the two metal straps 50 are welded to saddlebase 152 to provide a lateral counter force from the wall to the purlinand consequently the diaphragm. The metal strap 51 that connects the twoangle irons to each other is provided for ease of application purposesand to eliminate side movement of angle irons 170 attached to wall 140.Strap 51 may be omitted when ceiling mount equipment is in conflict. Ifstrap 51 is eliminated, angle irons 170 are attached directly to theends of straps 51 for attachment to the wall 140, and holes 60 in theangle iron 170 may be used to eliminate side movement.

In the integrated embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, and referringparticularly to FIG. 9, it is seen that a cross member 51 is adapted forattachment along the underside 44 of ledger 40 of the building roofsupport system. In some embodiments, cross member 51 is not attached toledger 40, but is inserted flush against the lower surface 44 of theledger, and is attached directly to the concrete wall 140 of thebuilding using one or more bolts 26 that are passed through holes 60 inmounting plate 170. This location provides supplemental vertical supportfor the ledger 40 at both ends of cross member 51. Bolts 26 are engagedwith the concrete wall 140 using epoxy or some other suitable adhesivematerial for permanent attachment. Detail of this attachment is shown inFIG. 11.

In alternative embodiments, cross member 51 may be attached directly tothe lower surface 44 of the ledger 40 by using lag screws, fasteners orthe like. In these embodiments, one or more openings 68 are providedalong cross member 51 through which such screws may be passed forattachment to the underside 44 of the ledger 40. It is to be appreciatedthat the direct attachment to the bottom 44 of ledger 40 may be doneindependently or in conjunction with the previously describedattachments directly to wall 140.

Arms 50 extend from each end of cross member 51 to junction 152underneath a purlin 120 (or beam 30). Anchoring bolts 29 are passedthrough openings 60 in flanges 151, and through purlin 120 (or beam 30)to hold junction 152 against purlin 120 (or beam 30). This systemprevents purlin 120 (or beam 30) from pulling away from ledger 40 orfalling down from wall 140 in the event of seismic movement, high winds,excessive weight or the like.

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate other reinforcing embodiments of the presentinvention. These embodiments include a rigid (preferably metallic) plate130 having an optional flange 92 that is generally orthogonally attachedto it, forming a bracket having a generally L-shaped cross section.Plate 130 includes one or more openings 60 for receiving anchoring bolts26 that are passed through openings 60, through ledger 40, and intoconcrete wall 140 as shown in FIG. 16. One or more additional smalleropenings 21 are also provided for attaching plate 130 to ledger 40 usingbolts such as 22. One or more of plates 130 may be attached to a ledger40 in order to provide reinforced attachment to wall 140. Flange 92provides additional strength to plate 130 to prevent bending of plate130 in the event that stress is placed on the ledger 40 from seismicmovement, high winds, excessive roof weight or the like.

FIGS. 17-23 illustrate alternative embodiments of an integrated supportunit. These alternative embodiments include an integrated triangularsupport structure 11 that is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 7-11,and previously described (10) as including a cross member 51 and a pairof arms 50 that meet at a junction 152 having a pair of opposing sidewalls 151. In some embodiments, the U-shaped saddle with bottom andsides 151-152 is a separate piece that is welded to the junction of arms50. In the illustrated embodiments of structure 11, one or both of sidewalls 151 includes not only openings 60 for attachment to a purlin 120(or beam 30), but also a support flange 63 having an opening 69 locatedthereon. Flange 63 may or may not have an angled orientation. Flange 63and opening 69 are adapted to receive one end of a support rod 23. Abracket assembly 67 having a complementary support flange 63′ is alsoprovided, with flange 63′ adapted to receive the opposite end of supportrod 23. Flange 63′ may or may not have an angled orientation. Openings60 are provided in bracket 63′ for attaching bracket 67 to a beam orpurlin using bolts or other suitable devices.

Detail of an embodiment of rod 23 is shown in FIGS. 22-23. In thisexemplary embodiment, rod 23 includes an inner rod 191, an inner sleeve196 and an outer sleeve 197. Inner rod 191 is threaded at both ends,allowing it to be bolted to flanges 63 and 63′ as shown in FIGS. 22-23inner rod 191 is the primary load bearing member, providing the tensionrequired for wall anchorage. Spacers 198 aid in keeping rod 191 centeredinside sleeves 196 and 197, and also aid in keeping the whole assemblystraight, which is important in terms of compression capability. Spacers198 may be made of rubber, plastic or other suitable materials, and arepreferably cut through on one edge so that they may slip over rod 191and then return to their original shape. Sleeves 196 and 197 supplementthe compression capability of the inner rod 191. In some embodiments,the end of the inner sleeve 196 is coded red at a point that defines thenecessary overlap of the inner 196 and outer 197 connection, to indicatewhether the inner threaded portion of rod 191 is properly embedded intothe outer sleeve 197 of the adjoining member sufficiently to meetbuilding code requirements or engineer specifications. It is to beappreciated that in other embodiments, support rod 23 may be comprisedof only inner rod 191 having threads at both ends.

In use, an integrated triangular support structure 11 having flange 63is installed, as above, with cross member 51 attached along theunderside 44 of ledger 40 (ether directly to ledger 40 through openings68, or to wall 140, or both), saddle 152 underneath a purlin 120 or beam30, and walls 151 bolted to the sides of the purlin 120 or beam 30. Abracket assembly 67 is installed on an adjacent purlin (or beam)downstream from junction 152. One end of inner support rod 191 isattached to flange 63 on side wall 151, and the other end of rod 191 isattached to flange 63′ on bracket 67 as shown in FIGS. 20-21. Ifprovided, inner sleeve 196 is rotated relative to outer sleeve 197 forsnug fit against flanges 63 and 63′ to optimize support. It is to beappreciated that the angles of flanges 63 and 63′ may be varied asdesired, and will establish an optimum downstream position of bracket 67on purlin 120 for receiving the end of rod 23. Anchoring of thisassembly should preferably occur at least every 9 feet when the assemblyis installed under the purlins.

The triangular support structure 11 of the present embodiment may be,and preferably is attached to a first and third purlin, and brackets 67are attached on either side of a second intermediate purlin downstreamfrom the triangular support structures, as shown in FIGS. 20-21. Thisprovides direct attachment of the downstream purlin to the concrete wall140. Other triangular support assemblies may also be attached to anyintermediate purlins. These may be of any type described herein (11),but preferably of the type (10) illustrated in FIG. 7 or in FIG. 17(with or without flange 67).

In some embodiments, an additional flange 64 is provided on bracket 67,In other embodiments an additional flange 64 may be provided or on oneor both of flanges 151. This flange 64 is used to connect to a rod,cable or other elongated support structure 180 that may extend thelength of the purlin (or beam) to the opposite side of the building.Structure 180 may be a PT cable, which is a flexible plastic encasedsteel cable that has tension applied to it after the installation iscomplete. This applied tension supplies the counter-force to any seismicwall movement. In such embodiments, a complementary bracket 67 isprovided at such other end, together with complementary (mirror image)triangular support structures and rods 23. The complementary bracket 67(or complementary flange 151) has a flange 64 to receive the oppositeend of rod or cable 180, and a flange 63′ for receiving a rod 23. Rod 23is, in turn, attached to a bracket 63 on a triangular support assemblythat is mounted beneath the purlin (or beam) and beneath ledger 40.These embodiments provide a complete direct connection from the wall onone side of a building to the wall on the opposite side of the building.It is to be appreciated that multiple installations of such embodimentsmay be made along selected purlins (or beams) to 115 provide additionalwall-to-wall support structures along the length or width of the roof.It is also to be appreciated that support structures having dualbrackets 67 (one for each of flanges 151) may be employed in theseinstallations to support two rods 23 extending away from a singlejunction 152. In other embodiments, one or both of flanges 151 mayinclude a bracket 64 for direct attachment to a rod 23.

A rod or cable 180 may be provided on each side of the purlin systemthat spans from one end of the building to the opposite end where itconnects to another identical three-purlin system. The purlins along therod or cable line constitute a strut at each purlin-to-beam connection,which may be approximately every 20 to 24 feet. The intersection of astrut (cabled) purlin 120 and beam 30 is shown in FIG. 22. Suchintersections may be shimmed where any gap between the purlin and beamexists, thus creating a line of compression that extends through theentire length of the building. The purlins on either side of the strutpurlin need not be shimmed. This embodiment constitutes a substantialsavings in labor and material over systems that require as many as fourbrackets and two all-thread bolts to connect purlin-to-purlin through abeam at each location.

Other embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS.24-31. In these embodiments, support brackets 131, 132, 133 and 134 areutilized in conjunction with one or more bracket members 90 to providesupport to a beam 30 without the use of bracket members 70 or 80. Inparticular, instead of providing a single elongated member below ledger40, a first L-shaped bracket 133 (such L-shaped brackets are sometimesreferred to herein as angle irons) is installed by attachment to beam 30and to concrete wall 140 below ledger 40. A second L-shaped bracket orangle iron 131 (or 132) is also attached to wall 140 a distance awayfrom beam 30 below ledger 40. See FIG. 29. Each of brackets 131/132 and133 includes a plurality of openings 60 on a wall flange (one of the “L”surfaces of the respective bracket) through which mounting bolts 26 arepassed for anchoring the bracket to the concrete wall. The pattern ofopenings 60 may be uniform or random, as with other bracket holepatterns described previously, in order to provide multipleopportunities for bolt attachments in case there are embedded blockagesin wall 140. One or more additional holes 60 are also provided on theremaining flange of bracket 133 allowing for attachment to beam 30. Atleast one hole is provided on the remaining flange of bracket 131 or 132for attachment to elongated bracket member 90.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 24-31, the first bracket 133 ispreferably provided with triangular upper and/or lower flanges forimproved strength. One flange of this bracket 133 is anchored to wall140, and the other flange is attached to the side of beam 30, as shownin FIG. 29. In alternative embodiments, another of brackets 133 may beinstalled in mirror-image fashion on the other side of beam 30. Thisprovides reinforcement through direct attachment of beam 30 to wall 140.The second bracket 131 is preferably provided with a gusset 110 forimproved strength. One flange of this bracket 131 is anchored to wall140 such that the other flange has a horizontal orientation forengagement with bracket member 90. One end of an elongated bracketmember 90 is attached to bracket 131, and the other end is extendedperpendicularly from wall 140 and attached to the closest purlin 120. Athird L-shaped bracket 134 is attached to this purlin 120 where it abutsagainst beam 30. One flange of the L is attached to purlin 120, and theother flange to beam 30. An anchoring plate may be used to furthersecure bracket 134 to purlin 120 or beam 30. In alternative embodiments,another of brackets 134 may be installed in mirror-image fashion to thepurlin on the other side of beam 30; in such embodiments, the same bolts29 may be used which pass through both brackets 134 and beam 30. Afourth L-shaped bracket 132 is provided for attachment to beam 30. Thisbracket 132 may include a gusset 110. One flange of bracket 132 isattached to beam 30 such that the other flange has a horizontalorientation for engagement with one end of a second bracket member 90.Second bracket member 90 extends diagonally from bracket 131 to purlin120 where its other end attaches to the purlin and an end of firstbracket member 90. It is to be appreciated that all of theaforementioned brackets and horizontal members are illustrated in FIG.29, but that not all of them may be needed in every situation, such thatdifferent combinations thereof may be used as desired by the user.

The embodiments of FIGS. 24-31 provide a direct anchoring of beam 30 towall 140 by way of bracket(s) 133, and provides a further anchoring ofbeam 30 to wall 140 through bracket members 131, 132 and 90. Furtherreinforcing and transmission of tension is provided by intermediatebracket(s) 134. In alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 37-40,brackets 131, 132 and/or 133 are used with an elongated member 90, butbracket 134 and the other member 90 may not necessarily be used.Instead, a single elongated member 90 is provided for direct diagonalattachment between wall-mounted bracket 131 and beam-mounted bracket132. In many embodiments, brackets 131 and 132 may be interchanged.

The embodiments of FIGS. 24-31 and 37-40 may be used when the beams 30are, for example, twenty feet apart making the un-braced section of wallslightly less than 10 feet which may be acceptable in some buildings. Inthese embodiments, the L-shaped brackets may be installed with noconnecting steel straps along the purlin length or the beam length. Thatis because, in this configuration, the length of a pre-fabricated systemcould make this embodiment too cumbersome to install as a single unit.The size and shape of the L-shaped brackets 131-134 vary from theembodiment of FIGS. 1-7. The two members 70, 80 that bolt together atthe beam/wall intersection are replaced by one angle-iron that bolts tothe beam and through the hole pattern (which may be a uniform, irregularor random pattern) in the section of the flange that bolts to the wall,thus providing a counterforce to both vertical beam collapse andtransferring a counter force to seismic or other wall movement relativeto the roof diaphragm. This aforementioned angle-iron may have a smallgusset on top of this piece that provides vertical support for theledger where it abuts the beam.

The embodiments of FIGS. 32-36 and 41-45 utilize a central threaded loadbearing tension rod 175 that is positioned in parallel with the beams 30of the roof system. Rod 175 may be surrounded by a reinforcing shaft 171having spacers 198 such as rubber washers to center its position. Oneend of rod 175 is attached to a plate 172 that is anchored to wall 140through ledger 40 using bolts 26, as shown in FIG. 34. In an alternativeembodiment, plate 172 includes an integrated threaded shaft or weldedstud 185, and rod 175 is engaged to shaft 185 using a threaded coupler186 or other similar engagement device (such as a turnbuckle). Rod 175is sized such that its opposite threaded end may be passed through anadjacent purlin 120, where it is secured on the opposite side of purlin120 using plate 173 and at least one nut. It is to be appreciated thatrod 175 may be manipulated from the opposite side of purlin 120 forengagement with turnbuckle 186, and for securement to plate 173. Aseparate L-shaped bracket 179 is provided on the near side of purlin 120through which rod 175 passes. This bracket includes a horizontallyoriented flange section 179 that included openings for receivingattachment bolts for connection to diagonally oriented members 90.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 32-36, members 90 are attachedto wall brackets 131 that are mounted to wall 140 below ledger 40 atlocations between rod 175 and beam 30. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 41-45, members 90 are attached to corner brackets 133 that aremounted to wall 140 below ledger 40 adjacent to beams 30. It is to beappreciated that the elements of these illustrated embodiments could bemixed, such as, for example, a first member 90 may extend from one sideof flange 179 to a corner bracket 133, and a second member 90 may extendfrom the other side of flange 179 to a wall bracket 131. The angle andlength of member 90 depends upon whether the member is attached to awall bracket 131 or a corner bracket 133, as well as the position ofsuch bracket.

In alternative embodiments, one or more additional brackets 133 may bemounted on beams 30 where they intersect with purlins 120, so that anelongated member 90 may be attached to extend from each such wallbracket 131 to corner bracket 133. In other embodiments, one or morecorner brackets may 133 may be mounted at the intersections of beams 30and purlins 120 without attachment to any elongated member 90. Each ofthese alternative embodiments may be used independently of the others,or in different combinations with the other embodiments, as illustrated,for example, in FIGS. 33 and 42.

Rods 171 and 175 may be used when there is a significant span betweenprimary beams, such as, for example, twenty-two or twenty-four feet. Insuch an example, the wall length between the beam and rod 171 (thecenter shroud lateral wall anchorage) would be approximately eleven ortwelve feet. Where specifications require a lesser distance then lesserspans would be used, such as, for example, six feet between anchoragelocations.

Wedge washers 178 are used when these embodiments are utilized withouter rods 171 at any intersecting purlin that the threaded rod 175passes through, and outer shroud casing 171 abuts against. Wedge washerincludes at least two holes (preferably ¼″) for holding the wedge washer178 in position and preventing rotation. Washer 178 is drilled so thatthe outer shroud casing 171 will have full contact with the flat face ofthe washer as depicted, for example, in FIG. 43. A nut is not requiredwhere the threaded rod 175 passes through the washers on either side ofa purlin.

The embodiments of FIGS. 46-52 provide a set of versatile mountingbrackets 161, 162, 163 and 164 which may be used in conjunction withrods 23, 191, 171 and/or 175. Bracket 162 includes an angled flangethereon having an opening therein for receipt of one of the aforesaidrod members. Brackets such as 162 are designed for attachment directlyto ledger 40 and may or may not also be mounted to wall 140. Brackets163 and 164 are triangular wedge-shaped pieces having mounting holes forattachment to a beam or purlin, and openings for receiving rod 191 or175. As shown in FIGS. 50-52, a rod such as 191 or 175 is attached atone end to bracket 162, and passes through brackets 162 and 163, andthrough purlin 120 at an angle. Rod 191 or 175 then extends to andterminates at bracket 161 which is mounted at a junction between apurlin 120 and a beam 30. Bracket 161 also includes an angled flangehaving an opening for receiving rod 191 or 175. It is to be appreciatedthat different combinations of brackets 161-164 may be used with rods23, 191, 171 and/or 175 of different lengths, depending on the positionsselected for brackets 161-164. It is to be appreciated that brackets161-164 are used to support rods such as 23, 191, 171 and/or 175, andthat these rod-and-bracket systems may also incorporate otherembodiments of the invention such as, without limitation, brackets 133and/or 134. It is to be appreciated that brackets 133 may be used toconnect directly to a wall 140, or between a beam 30 and purlin 120.These embodiments install completely above the ceiling line of thepurlin which means they should completely clear any ceiling mountedobstructions.

The embodiments of FIGS. 53-59 provide a set of mounting brackets 191,192, 193 and 194 which may be used in conjunction with elongated bracketmembers 90. Brackets 191 and 192 each include an L-shaped flange thereonhaving an opening therein for receipt of a bolt for attachment to an endof an elongated member 90. Brackets 191 and 192 also include openings 60therein for receiving mounting bolts 24 and/or 26. Brackets such as 191and 192 are designed for attachment directly to ledger 40 and may or maynot also be mounted to wall 140; brackets 191 and 192 may also beattached across from each other through a beam or purlin using bolts 29,as shown in FIG. 58. Brackets 193 have an L-shaped cross section with atriangular cross flange having an opening thereon for receiving a boltfor attachment to an end of an elongated member 90. As shown in FIGS.56-59, in one embodiment, an elongated member 90 is attached at one endto a bracket 191 or 192 at ledger 40, and extends to a complementarybracket 191 or 192 on an adjacent purlin (or beam). In a variation ofthis embodiment, member 90 may extend from the ledger bracket 191/192 toa corner bracket 193 that is mounted at the junction of a beam orpurlin. In the illustrated embodiment, another bracket 191 or 192 isprovided on the other side of the purlin or beam, and a second member 90extends away from the opposite bracket. This member 90 may terminate atanother of brackets 191/192, or at a corner bracket 193 (asillustrated). It is to be appreciated that different combinations ofbrackets 191/192 and/or corner brackets 193 may be used with elongatedbrackets 90 of different lengths, depending on the positions selectedfor brackets 191, 192 and/or 193. It is to be appreciated that theseembodiments may also incorporate other embodiments of the invention suchas, without limitation, brackets 133 and/or 134. These embodimentsinstall completely above the ceiling line of the purlin which means theyshould completely clear any ceiling mounted obstructions.

The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 21-22 should be installed close to oronto the bottom of the roof joists so as to be clear of any roof mountedequipment or fire sprinkler system anchored to the bottom of the ledgeror purlin.

In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the angled bracket 63 may be replaced by asquare bracket 64 such as, for example, when a PT cable is required at 8foot intervals or at every purlin.

Most embodiments of these inventions are symmetrical such that identicalor mirror image components may be installed on opposite sides of thepurlins or GLBs.

Most components in these inventions are fabricated in a manner thatallows use with a different embodiment and/or component. In addition,some angle iron components used in the first set of embodiments may bereplaced with a shrouded anchor system since both embodiments providethe required tension and compression elements. In other embodiments, theshroud assembly may also be replaced by angle iron(s).

The shrouded system described in FIGS. 22-23 provides a red marker thatcan be used by the installer and inspectors after installation iscomplete. This means that an on-site inspector is not required until theproduct is completely installed so that schedules are not affected andthe interim inspection costs are lessened.

It is to be appreciated that all of the components of the systemsdisclosed herein may be shortened, lengthened, increased in size, bothdimensionally and by increasing the thickness of the component parts atthe discretion of the structural engineer as needed on a building bybuilding basis. In those applications where a shroud assembly or anangle-iron has a span over 8 feet, it may be necessary to anchor eitheror both at a specified intervals.

It must also be appreciated that while the embodiments, components andelements of the various systems and structures of the invention(s)described herein are preferably made of metal, any of the embodiments,components and/or elements may be made of any other suitable rigidmaterial (including without limitation plastics, acrylics, or the like)that provides an appropriate level of strength and durability.

At locations that have a wall-to-wall system connecting all beams towalls, a strut line in line with the aforementioned anchored beams alongthe length of the building should be established with a similar beam towall connection on the opposite end of the building.

In some situations where the embodiment of FIG. 17 is employed, abuilding length strut line may be established every 24 feet, every thirdpurlin 120, which means only one third of the building purlins need tobe shimmed for compression. The PT cables 180 that traverse the building(one on each side of the center purlin in this embodiment along with theshimmed purlin ends where they abut GLB's) supply the necessary tensionand compression elements required for all three purlins at eachinstallation. This embodiment illustrates a single system of FIG. 7installed in the center purlin of this embodiment and two systems ofFIG. 17 installed on both adjacent purlins. Both of the FIG. 17 systemsconnect to the angled bracket 63′ welded to the side of the transitionbracket. The two PT cables 180 attach to two welded brackets 64 on theside of the aforementioned transition bracket and extend the length ofthe building where they attach to an identical FIG. 17 assembly.

It is to be appreciated that different versions of the invention may bemade from different combinations of the various embodiments, elementsand components described above. In particular, each of the disclosedembodiments, and any of the sub-elements thereof, may be used incombination with any of the other embodiments disclosed, or any of thesub-elements thereof. For example, and without limitation, bracketmembers 90 may be attached to extend between any of brackets 131, 132,133, 134, 191, 192 and/or 193 which brackets may be mounted in variouslocations on any or all of a wall 140, ledger 40, beam 30 and/or purlin120; and/or such elements may or may not be used with other bracketssuch as 70 and 90; and/or such elements may or may not be used withother support devices such as rods 23, 191, 171 and/or 175 (and theirrespective mounting brackets 63, 67, 161-164, 172 and/or 173, etc.);and/or such elements may be used with brackets 10 and/or 11; and/or maybe used with cabling systems 180. The length and angle of members suchas brackets 90 and rods 23 may be varied according to the location ofthe support brackets to which they are attached.

It is to be appreciated that the support systems of the presentinvention may be employed for use on any support structure spanningbetween building walls including without limitation ceilings, floors,and the like.

It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of thepresent invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof.It is also to be understood that the present invention is not to belimited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but only inaccordance with the appended claims when read in light of the foregoingspecification.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. A reinforcing structure for a system spanning betweenwalls of a building comprising an integrated unit having a firstelongated rigid member for attachment underneath a first support board,a second elongated rigid member one end of which is attached to one endof said first member, a third elongated rigid member one end of which isattached to an opposite end of said first member wherein opposite endsof said second and third members are attached to each other at ajunction, and wherein a saddle is provided at said junction forengagement with a second support board.
 10. The reinforcing structure ofclaim 9 wherein said second and third members extend outward from saidfirst member at angles of about forty-five degrees.
 11. The reinforcingstructure of claim 9 further comprising a pair of wall mounting platesprovided at opposite ends of said first member, each such plate havingat least one opening therein for receiving at least one bolt forattaching said mounting plates to a wall adjacent to said first supportboard.
 12. The reinforcing structure of claim 9 further comprising atleast one opening provided along said first member for receiving atleast one bolt for attaching said first member to an underside of saidfirst support board through said at least one opening.
 13. Thereinforcing structure of claim 9 further comprising at least one openingprovided on said saddle for receiving at least one bolt for attachingsaid saddle to said support board.
 14. In combination, a system spanningbetween walls of a building and a reinforcing structure, saidreinforcing structure comprising a support unit having a first elongatedrigid member attached underneath a first support board, a secondelongated rigid member one end of which is attached to one end of saidfirst member, and a third elongated rigid member one end of which isattached to an opposite end of said first member wherein opposite endsof said second and third members are attached to each other at ajunction, and wherein a saddle is provided at said junction engaged witha second support board of said system.
 15. The combination of claim 14wherein said second and third members extend outward from said firstmember at angles of about forty-five degrees.
 16. The combination ofclaim 14 further comprising a pair of wall mounting plates provided atopposite ends of said first member, each such plate having at least oneopening therein for receiving at least one bolt for attaching saidmounting plates to said wall.
 17. The combination of claim 14 furthercomprising at least one opening provided along said first member forreceiving at least one bolt for attaching said second member to anunderside of said first support board.
 18. The combination of claim 14further comprising at least one opening provided on said saddle forreceiving at least one bolt for attaching said saddle to said supportboard.
 19. A method of reinforcing a system spanning between walls of abuilding comprising the steps of: a. attaching a first elongated rigidmember of a support unit underneath a first support board, said unitcomprising said first member, a second elongated rigid member an end ofwhich is attached to an end of said first member, a third elongatedrigid member an end of which is attached to an opposite end of saidfirst member wherein opposite ends of said second and third members areattached to each other at a junction, and wherein a saddle is providedat said junction; and b. attaching said saddle to a second support boardof said system.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein each of said supportboards is a member selected from the group of a ledger, a beam and apurlin.
 21. The reinforcing structure of claim 9 wherein said saddlefurther comprises two upwardly oriented flanges separated by a space,and wherein a mount is provide on at least one of said flanges.
 22. Thereinforcing structure of claim 21 further comprising at least oneseparate plate member for attachment to a support board, said platehaving at least one bracket provided thereon.
 23. The reinforcingstructure of claim 22 further comprising an elongated cylindrical memberfor attachment between said saddle bracket and said plate bracket. 24.The reinforcing structure of claim 23 wherein said cylindrical memberfurther comprises internal and external hollow cylindrical sleevesmovably disposed over each other, and a central load bearing rod axiallydisposed inside said internal sleeve.
 25. The reinforcing structure ofclaim 23 wherein a second bracket is provided on said plate forattachment to a load bearing member.
 26. The reinforcing structure ofclaim 9 wherein: a. said saddle further comprises two upwardly orientedflanges, and wherein at least one first bracket is attached to at leastone of said flanges; b. a plate member is attached to a third supportboard, said plate member having at least one second bracket providedthereon; and c. an elongated support member is attached between saidfirst and second brackets.
 27. The reinforcing structure of claim 26wherein at least one third bracket is provided on said plate member, anda load bearing rod is attached to said third bracket.
 28. The method ofclaim 19 wherein: said saddle further comprises two upwardly orientedflanges, and wherein at least one first bracket is provided on at leastone of said flanges, and further comprising the steps of: c. attaching aplate member to a third support board protruding out from said ledger,said plate member having at least one second bracket provided thereon;and d. attaching an elongated support member between said first andsecond brackets.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein at least one thirdbracket is provided on said plate member, and comprising the additionalstep of attaching a load bearing rod to said third bracket.
 30. Themethod of claim 28 wherein each support board is a member selected fromthe group of a ledger, a beam and a purlin. 31-85. (canceled)
 86. Thereinforcing structure of claim 9 wherein each of said support boards isa member selected from the group of a ledger, a beam and a purlin. 87.The method of claim 26 wherein each of said support boards is a memberselected from the group of a ledger, a beam and a purlin.
 88. The methodof claim 28 wherein said first support board is a ledger.